This is a specialist training course specifically for managers and senior staff. It has been designed to provide a clear understanding of the legislation around supporting service users with their mental capacity and in making often complex decisions around whether someone has capacity and whether there is a need to deprive someone of their liberty in order to keep them safe. This course will help staff to understand their responsibilities in relation to the MCA and DOLS within their organisation.

Course objectives

By the end of the course, you should be able to:

• Describe what the Mental Capacity Act (MCA) is
• Explain how the MCA and DOLS relates to the Human Rights Act
• Identify the core principles of the MCA
• Apply the core principles to your everyday practice
• Describe your legal responsibilities under the MCA
• Explain your role and responsibilities when assessing mental capacity
• Describe what an Advance Decision and Lasting Power of Attorney is
• Describe the role of an independent mental capacity advocate
• Explain best interest decisions
• Describe what Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DOLS) is
• Explain what authority is required for active restraint and when this becomes a criminal offence.
• Describe the DOLS application process including authorisation
• Explain the importance of record keeping in relation to upholding the MCA and in evidencing the need for a DOLS
• Identify where to access further information, support, and advice